I had a couple hours before dark on my way out to stay in Marblemount, parking next to Clear Creek was full (to Frog Lake) so I headed here.  

3 miles beyond Beaver Lake TH on the R, there's a hand made sign indicating the Lookout Tree is 1/4 mile.  Past the Tree the trail continues, eventually reaching a channel of the Sauk River.

The water was alive with fish, big and smaller, Bald and other eagles overhead.  I walked gently across the channel, up the far bank and across again, and to the broken bridge over Beaver Lake.  I chatted with the folks on the other side, the only people I saw today.  Then back.

The North Cascades are lonely with the winter Highway closure, sign in Rockport said at "Ross Trail".  Off season rates at Glacier Peak Resort, plenty of low elevation hiking nearby, Marblemount is 400 feet.  They're serving Thanksgiving dinner, to-go only due to the recent no indoor dining rule, for $15 plus tip. 

Bring the "household" and spend the holiday in your own vacation cabin!  360-873-2250

Trail was well maintained, looks like recent work has been done to cut back brush along the trail.  There is one large log that was a little difficult to maneuver over due to drop on one side.  No bugs but a few nettles.  Didn't see anyone on the trail.  Hiked to where the bridge is damaged and back with a few side trips to the river.  Nice afternoon walk.

We went on a weekday and parked around noon. There was just another car throughout our hour long hike.

Some notes about this hike:

- the trail is very overgrown. Definitely cover up your legs and arms. No spikey plants so that's good

- there's a ton of bugs. We got multiples bites

- there's other obstacles on the trail - narrow rocky stairs, large tree you have to go over

- the trail is very narrow so don't expect to keep a distance from people (unless someone backs up and moves out of the way)

Definitely have a buddy to help you.

Still a good outing during covid.

Quick and easy day hike after another hike.  Short, flat 2 miles to the ponds.  Lots of river access along the way.  Trail ends at a broken bridge at the lake.  Can get across and go for another 0.25 miles, but not really worth it.

Lots of obstacles in this trail! The trail is overgrown with nettles taller than me. There are trees to crawl under and over, and a washout with a large tree that requires going over. I was too short to get back on top of it on the way back. Luckily my friend knew the put butt on slippery root technique, and I was able to use that as a step to get up on the tree. The bridge at the ponds is broken so the end point is a viewing platform at the ponds. The birds were busy singing during our entire hike!